Canterbury District Health Board informed that it had called off all non-urgent elective surgical operations that had been lined up for Tuesday.

The cancellations comprise all pre-arranged admissions for Christchurch Hospital and Christchurch Women’s and Burwood hospitals, however, the C-section operations and inductions will be carried out as usual.

Outpatient clinics are on with their services and it is recommended that people make their appointments in advance, but if they are unable to do so, rescheduling is possible.

Akaroa Hospital has been shut down and the patients have been transferred, as informed by the Board.

A few of the residents undergoing treatment in aged-care faculties have as well been moved for the time being.

Burwood Birthing Unit and Lincoln Maternity Hospital will remain closed till the time any further notice is issued.

There has been no problem faced in the inflow of patients and the board informed that the staff was managing the operations well.

In order to maintain capacity, private hospices have put off major surgical operations that were scheduled.

Health officers carry on urging people to consume only boiled water, and also that, they should avoid any contact with sewage.

Mr. Ryall, Health Minister said that additional workers had been sent to Christchurch, but more could be needed.